'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎233] (406/524)

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Art. Xl\ •—An Island rising out of the Sea, By Captain C. DodB|
Deputy Collector, Sind,
Read before the Society, April gist, 1864.
A short time ago, the following narration, written by a deceased rela
tive, of the rise out of the sea of a volcanic island in the Mediterranean*
fell into my possession. As a similar phenomenon is reported by th£
papers to have recently occurred, I am induced to make it public*
believing that it may prove of interest.
Her Majesty’s Ship “ Melville,” at sea, August 5th, 1831, at 6 -
30 p.m. smoke, which was concluded to rise from the volcano, was
first visible bearing NW. by W. at the estimated distance of 34 miles.
The “ Melville” steered for it, and as she proceeded the smoke became
more apparent. It rose to a considerable height above the horizon
from three distinct sources, but on further observation I determined
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that the body of smoke had been so divided by the wind after issue
from the crater, for presently some more rose to windward, whose
more rapid ascent showed that this alone originated directly from the
volcano. As this settled over the face of the waters in a tardy progress
to leeward, it assumed many picturesque forms. At one time I fancied
it like a large Gothic edifice with a dome over the centre, which, as the
outline broke off, changed to the semblance of crystallizations, parti
cularly those of alum. After dark, forked flames were seen to dart
upward occasionally, and a loud rumbling noise was heard, compared
by a young midshipman An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. to the rattling of a chain cable.
August §th .—At daylight, tile “Melville” being distant by estima
tion 10 miles, the island itself was visible as a hillock, approaching
in form to a cone, unequally broken off at the top, yet having that
smooth clearly-defined outline which I believe is the usual character
istic of volcanic mountains. We now began to witness the wonderful
operations of the volcano in all their grandeur, of which I really despair 5
of being able to give but a very faint idea, no description of mine cart
do justice to the sublime sight.
30 q